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Fine for man who kept snakes illegally

Conrad Vince Francek had three south-west carpet pythons, a black headed python and three western bearded dragons that he kept in enclosures in his garage.

Parks and Wildlife prosecution co-ordinator Gail Ritchie said Francek was unlicensed to keep the animals and he had also brought one of the south-west carpet pythons into the state illegally.

She said it was illegal to do so as there were snake diseases present in other states that were not in WA.

Francek had taken the python, a pet that he had for 10 years, when he moved to New South Wales. When he returned to WA, he brought it with him.

He said he was not sure how long he would be in WA and as he had licences for three other states, he didn’t want the expense of getting another licence for WA.

A herpetofauna (reptiles) licence dependant on category of the animal, based on a year licence, is from $20 for bearded dragons, $40 for south-west carpet pythons and $100 for black headed pythons.

Francek said he had rescued a snake and a bearded dragon from his backyard as he was concerned his dog might crush them. He also said he had rescued the largest south-west carpet python from the side of the road so it wouldn’t be run over.

Ms Ritchie said Francek was aware of the proper licensing requirements.

Francek pleaded guilty to all five charges. Magistrate Vivien Edwards said given he was aware of the Licensing Act, she fined him $2500 and ordered that he forfeit the animals and several related items, including enclosures, a light and three snake hides.